Banking & Finance (International Firms): China

Joseph Tse is the head of the firm's Greater China practice, and has a standout reputation for banking deals in the China market, including leveraged finance work. He splits his time between Hong Kong and Beijing, and recently advised a consortium of underwriters on the Hong Kong, Singapore and US law aspects in connection with the USD5.8 billion IPO of Hutchison Port Holdings Trust.

Vicki Liu also has a highly regarded regional practice, providing cross-border advice to her bank and fund clients on structured debt finance, and hybrid products. Recent mandates include advising HSBC on a margin loan facility.

Seasoned banking and finance partner Roger Lui also impresses sources on account of his "practical approach." Recent highlights include advising InfraRed Capital on a USD60 million loan to a subsidiary of Top Spring International. 

Managing partner for the Beijing office Matthias Voss also remains a deeply respected name in the market. He acts for international and domestic borrowers, lenders and sponsors on a range of structured financings and projects. Alongside Lui, he acted for the Chinese lenders on the project financing of the Vinh Tan 1 build-operate-transfer power project in Vietnam.

Yvonne Ho's multifaceted expertise extends to advising banks and corporates on structured finance, asset finance, acquisition finance, project finance and general lending matters. In highlights, she acted for the Export-Import Bank of China on the USD2.4 billion financing for a single-phase resort development in the Bahamas.

Ian Powell draws upon time spent working in the European markets, where he gained sophisticated structuring leveraged finance capabilities. In 2012 he advised HK Exchange on its acquisition of the London Metal Exchange, a deal involving USD2.5 billion in credit facilities.

Barry Cheng is the co-head of the Hong Kong and China banking and finance group. His body of experience includes advising on project finance, loans, credit facilities, securitisation and structured finance. He represented China Development Bank (Hong Kong branch) in its capacity as lender on a US dollar-denominated facility for the acquisition of a Netherlands-based company.

Interviewees confirm that Harvey Lau "has a good understanding of onshore as well as offshore finance matters." He is noted for his expertise in aviation finance and recently acted for Air China on a number of acquisitions financed under English and New York law.

Simon Leung is recognised for his experience in relation to matters involving Vietnam. Based in Beijing, he was promoted to the partnership in 2012 and is praised by clients for being "responsible and serious."

Sources singled out Anthony Wang as one of the strongest practitioners in the region. As one source enthused, he is "technically excellent with extreme attention to detail, and he works extremely hard for his clients." Another noted that he "strikes a very good balance between the interests of companies and banks." He specialises in banking, acquisition finance and pre-IPO finance.

With a core focus on acquisition finance, syndicated lending and restructuring transactions, Matthew Truman is held in high esteem by commentators. In recent work, he advised CVC Asia Pacific on the HKD2.95 billion financing for its acquisition of the international direct dialling (IDD) businesses of City Telecom in Hong Kong and Canada.

Beijing-based Maggie Lo is developing a solid reputation in the China market. She regularly represents both Chinese and international financial institutions on project finance, acquisition finance and pre-IPO financing transactions.

Simon Deane is the head of the finance and insolvency practice at the firm, and regularly features on the firm's cross-border matters in respect of real estate financings, acquisition financings and regulatory matters. Highlights include advising the lenders on the financing of two acquisitions by Singapore REITs of hotels in Hong Kong and China, and advising a Pakistani bank on obtaining a banking licence in Hong Kong.

Philip Gilligan provides expert guidance on structured trade finance and cross-border project finance transactions. He has advised on structured trade and commodities transactions in China, Mongolia, Malaysia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

Paul Lee, Robert Caldwell and Jolyon Ellwood-Russell are DLA Piper's main points of contact for Hong Kong and China. The team advises on a range of cross-border PRC-related work, including regional structured trade and commodity finance work. Recent highlights include representing Korea Development Bank, which in association with KEB Asia and Standard Chartered Bank acted as lead arrangers on a USD180 million term loan to Hanwha SolarOne Hong Kong.

Head of the Asia finance practice David Winfield offers advice to a variety of lenders, sponsors and corporates on acquisition finance, leveraged finance, project finance and restructuring. He recently advised Caterpillar on its proposed USD885 million acquisition of Hong Kong-listed ERA Mining Machinery, and acted for the borrowers G-Resources group on lending facilities for the development of a gold mine in Indonesia.

Head of the Hong Kong banking and finance team, Samuel Chau is a noted expert on Hong Kong, PRC and Asia-wide banking and structured finance transactions.

Alexander Aitken "is a go-to lawyer for advice on complicated structuring and associated legal issues. We rely on him to provide innovative solutions on any given matter," say interviewees. He is based in Hong Kong, from where he advises on transactions around the world. He recently acted for ten multinational investment banks on a dual-tranche syndicated term loan facility to one of India's largest public sector banks. He has also advised on transactions involving Argentina, Costa Rica, Russia and Canada.

Head of the Hong Kong banking practice, Gary Hamp's recent highlights include acting on a development finance deal in the Mongolian market.

Banking expert Owen Chan regularly advises PRC borrowers and banks on cross-border transactions, and represented China International Marine Containers in relation to a USD500 million term loan arranged by HSBC.

Allan Wardrop is a well-recognised name in respect of property finance, corporate lending, debt restructuring and leveraged finance deals. He is noted for his expertise in emerging markets transactions.

The main contacts here are David Lam and Paul McBride, both in Hong Kong. Following the merger of King & Wood and Mallesons Stephen Jaques, this banking and finance practice stands out for its unique ability to offer tailored Hong Kong, PRC, English and Australian law advice across its Greater China offices. Recent highlights include representing China Development Bank in connection with a USD751 million loan facility made available to a Singapore subsidiary of Minmetals Group for the purpose of refinancing loans relating to the purchase of mining assets in Australia.

Joining the team from Allen & Overy, highly rated practitioner Ashley Young is singled out by sources for his "deep knowledge and experience." He is a popular choice with clients in the leveraged finance, corporate acquisition finance and syndicated lending space. In highlights, he acted for HSBC, Citi and Merrill Lynch in connection with the buyout of China Fire & Security Group by Bain Capital.

Heading the firm's English law finance practice in Asia, David Miles is praised by interviewees for his ability to advise "not only from a legal perspective but to take into account the commercial angle as well." His client portfolio encompasses leading commercial banks, multilateral and bilateral institutions and export credit agencies.

Munich-based practitioner Christian Jahn has extensive experience of project finance and syndicated loans. Fluent in English and Mandarin, the native German speaker has studied Chinese law and has expertise in complex cross-border acquisitions. Recent mandates include advising a syndicate of international banks as the lead arrangers in respect of the financing of a major international acquisition.

Highly rated practitioner David Irvine is described as a "thorough practitioner with an eye for detail, who always looks at the bigger picture." According to another source "he is amongst the top lawyers I have worked with on financings. He is a quick study, very commercial and easy to work with." Work highlights include advising ING, Standard Chartered Bank, HSBC, Société Générale and Goldman Sachs in connection with term and revolving facilities made available to Bermudian company Kingsbridge.

High-calibre banking partner Nathalie Hobbs relocated to Hong Kong from Paris in June 2012. Clients particularly appreciate her "commerciality and market insights" and her ability to "get right to the main issues."

Rising star Nicola Wong is singled out by sources for her diligence, and strong drafting and negotiation capabilities.

Keith Cheung is praised for his strong connections within the China market, having amassed impressive debt financing experience. He is also particularly focused upon deals in the real estate sector. 

Francis Chen's multifaceted practice includes advising brokers, banks and financial institutions on banking, securities and commodities regulations. Highlights include advising China Development Bank on the financing for two palm tree plantations in Indonesia.

Sources underscore the strength of Bangkok-based Steven Miller for restructuring and insolvency matters. He has extensive experience of cross-border workouts, and recently acted for KPMG as the liquidators of the Lehman Brothers entities across Asia. Clients appreciate his "vast amount of experience," describing him as "a personable practitioner who is easy to work with."

Experienced partner Peter Haslam is well regarded amongst industry commentators, who note: "He is a responsive and commercial senior practitioner in the market." He recently advised on a number of term loan deals, as well as an Islamic finance transaction. He is based in the Hong Kong office.

Singapore-based aviation finance expert Leigh Borrello is respected by clients and peers across Asia. He is noted for his ability to "focus on the issues that really matter." Recent work highlights include acting for Deutsche Bank and a syndicate of lead arrangers on the portfolio financing for a subsidiary of China Development Bank.

Christopher Stephens and Michelle Taylor are the key contacts for this firm. Focusing on structured finance, real estate finance and project finance, the team recently advised GCL Solar Energy on two guaranteed term loan facilities valued at USD84 million and USD90 million respectively.

Hong Kong-based Brett King is acknowledged for his well-honed expertise handling Asian-focused acquisition, project and leveraged finance transactions. He acted for JPMorgan and Credit Suisse in connection with the USD450 million acquisition financing for Home Inns & Hotel Management's purchase of Motel 168 International Holdings from Morgan Stanley.

Focusing on real estate, structured finance and securitisation, Joel Rothstein advised Baha Mar Resorts on the USD1.4 billion financing provided by China Export-Import Bank for the development of a multiphase resort, residential and commercial project in the Bahamas.

Head of banking Andrew Brown advised Winsway Coking Coal Holdings and Marubeni in connection with a USD400 million LBO acquisition financing provided by Minsheng Bank, forming part of their USD1 billion financing to take private the Toronto-listed Grande Cache Coal.

Richard McKeown has over 22 years of experience in the region. He advises on trade finance, corporate finance, structured commodities and project finance. He recently acted for Standard Chartered Bank on a USD35 million group working capital loan financing, a transaction involving 16 companies across ten jurisdictions.

Dan Marjanovic recently joined the firm's Hong Kong office from Norton Rose in Sydney. He was previously based in Singapore for 12 years, and in that time accumulated extensive expertise in the South-East Asia region. Marjanovic will relocate to Singapore to spearhead Simmons & Simmons' South-East Asia practice once the firm has been granted the relevant regulatory approvals to set up in the city-state.

Sinead O'Shea "has a huge amount of experience in the leveraged finance, so she can immediately understand our key issues," say interviewees. In cross-border highlights, she advised China National Agrochemical on its USD960 non-recourse entrusted loan to Israel's Koor Industries.

Peter Lake is much admired by sources, who note: "He is highly professional, provides a fantastic service and is a very considered lawyer. He is pragmatic in his approach and is very easy to work with." He recently acted for Indonesian coal producer Borneo Lumbung Energi & Metal in connection with a USD1 billion acquisition finance loan from Standard Chartered Bank for its purchase of a 23.8% stake in Bumi.

Mark Reed is head of the non-contentious side of the finance and financial services group in the Hong Kong office. He recently advised Bank of America in relation to a USD350 million syndicated loan to a US and Hong Kong company.

Paul Ng is noted for his strength in aviation finance. Dividing his time between the Singapore and China offices, recent mandates have included work for Delta Group, Hong Kong Jet and Metrojet. He is well regarded across the board, with clients commending his knowledge of the market and responsiveness.

John Hartley is extolled as a top-drawer practitioner due to his role on a series of complex transactions across the region. Notably, he acted for the underwriters on the USD3 billion financing for the take private of e-commerce company Alibaba.com. According to sources he is "very smart and experienced in acquisition and leveraged finance."

With an illustrious track record for overseeing PRC-related finance transactions, Li Xiaoming is described by one source as "the leader of the pack" and by another as "really at the centre of what White & Case does in China and Asia." He frequently acts for major client China Development Bank.

Baldwin Cheng also has a growing reputation amongst industry experts, providing advice on major China outbound financings, export credit financing and acquisition financing. He divides his time between Beijing and Hong Kong.